Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2007-08: Tyler Wotherspoon was chosen in the second round, 23rd overall, of the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft by the Portland Winterhawks.

2008-09: Wotherspoon played most of the season with the Valley West Hawks in the BCMML. In 37 games, he scored 11 goals and added 13 assists for 24 points to go along with 85 penalty minutes. Wotherspoon also saw his first WHL action with the Winterhawks, registering no points in 4 games for that club.

2009-10: In his WHL rookie season, Wotherspoon played in 43 games for the Winterhawks. He scored 1 goal and added 4 assists for 5 points. In 2 playoff games, Wotherspoon registered no points. Wotherspoon played for Team Pacific at the 2010 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, registering no points in 5 games.

2010-11: In 64 games for the Winterhawks, Wotherspoon scored 2 goals and added 10 assists for 12 points to go along with 73 minutes in penalties. In 19 playoff games, he scored 2 goals and added 1 assist for 3 points. Wotherspoon played for Team Cherry at the 2011 CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects Game.

2011-12: Wotherspoon returned to junior hockey for his third season with the Portland Winterhawks. He was one of four Portland defensemen with 20 or more points on a high-flyiing Winterhawks team that led the WHL in scoring. Wotherspoon scored 7 goals with 21 assists, both career highs, and was plus-18 with 42 penalty minutes in 67 games. After finishing two points behind Tri-City in the U.S. Division, with the WHL’s third-best record, Portland advanced to the playoff finals against the Edmonton Oil Kings. Wotherspoon scored 1 goal with 6 assists and was plus-11 with 6 penalty minutes in 22 playoff games.

2012-13: Overshadowed by high profile prospects Seth Jones (Nashville) and Derrick Pouliot (Pittsburgh) on the Portland Winterhawks’ blueline, Wotherspoon had the team’s second best plus/minus (+62); trailing only center Nicolas Petan (+68). He scored 7 goals with 30 assists and had 30 penalty minutes in 61 games. The Winterhawks finished first in the U.S. Division and reached the WHL Finals for the third straight season; defeating Edmonton for the first championship in club history. Wotherspoon scored 2 goals with 8 assists and was +11 with 20 penalty minutes in 21 playoff games. Portland reached the Memorial Cup championship game. Wotherspoon scored 1 goal with 2 assists and was +6 with 4 penalty minutes in five Memorial Cup games. He represented Canada at the 2013 World Junior Championship and in six games scored 1 goal with 1 assist. Canada finished fourth after an overtime loss to host Russia in the bronze medal game. Wotherspoon signed a three-year entry-level contract with Calgary in March, 2013.

2013-14: Wotherspoon appeared in 14 NHL games for the Flames as a 20-year-old and skated for Calgary AHL affiliate Abbotsford in his first pro season. Making his NHL debut in a March 7th game against the Islanders, he finished with 4 assists and was -3 with 4 penalty minutes while averaging 13:27 minutes of ice time during his stint with the Flames. Wotherspoon played 48 regular season games for Abbotsford, scoring 1 goal with 8 assists, and was +13 with 12 penalty minutes. The Heat finished second in the West Division before losing to Grand Rapids in a first round series. Wotherspoon was with Calgary during the AHL playoffs.

Talent Analysis

Wotherspoon is a skilled two-way defenseman who plays with a high intensity compete level. He is effective in front of his own net, possessing the size and strength to allow his goaltender a clear view of oncoming shots. He has continued to address his mobility and puck moving skills and plays in all situations for Flames' AHL affiliate Adirondack.

Future

Wotherspoon attended training camp with Calgary before being assigned to new AHL affiliate Adirondack to start the 2014-15 season. Now in his second season of pro hockey as a 21-year-old, he was briefly recalled by Calgary in late January but did not appear in any games. Wotherspoon plays in all situations for the Adirondack Flames and should only improve as he gains experience, continues to improve his mobility, and matures physically. Long-term Wotherspoon projects as a first or second pairing defender capable of contributing to the attack.

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